These are the headlines in local Sunday newspapers this week.

The Sunday Times of Malta leads with reports that a consortium which won a controversial €274m direct order at St Vincent de Paul residence went ahead and began demolition works before it had been handed the contract.

The newspaper also gives front page prominence to news that police have opened an investigation into sexual misconduct at Mcast, as well as to concerns that half of Gozo could end up with no recycled waste collection service.

The Malta Independent on Sunday reports on pickpocketing, which experts say has evolved from a petty crime to a form of ‘transnational organised crime’. 

The newspaper also reports that more than 100 newly-qualified nurses will start work on Monday.

Malta Today reports that six children abandoned by their family have been found living alone in terrible conditions and a state of neglect.

It-Torċa reports that Malta’s citizenship-by-investment programme has been given another thumbs-up, citing a report which saw the scheme rank positively on a global ranking.

Il-Mument reports that the Labour Party does not want Alfred Sant to run for reelection as an MEP and is instead preparing the ground for him to replace Karmenu Vella as EU Commissioner.

Illum writes that the developers’ lobby has suggested that the government introduce tax incentives for people to rent properties.

Kullħadd highlights PN MP and lawyer Mario de Marco's dual role in a St Vincent de Paul residence deal. Dr de Marco is legal counsel for the consortium behind the deal, which the PN want investigated.